We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaitlyn Motley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaitlyn below.
Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
One of the most exciting trends we’re seeing in the travel industry right now is the demand for highly customized, experiential travel. At 4 Seven Travel, we’ve noticed this trend growing, particularly with travelers who want to engage with local cultures in meaningful ways. Instead of just checking off tourist sites, they want to explore local traditions, taste regional foods, and live like a local—if only for a little while.
For instance, this fall, I have a couple who is heading to Spain. They’ve specifically asked for an itinerary that allows them to experience the heart of the country’s culture, rather than just seeing the typical tourist sights. After discussing their interests in-depth, we’ve crafted a customized trip that’s focused on unique, immersive experiences.
In Mallorca, we’ve planned a private guided tour that will take them to the island’s most beautiful beaches and hidden coves. They’ll get a chance to explore parts of Mallorca that are off the beaten path, far from the usual tourist crowds. Their local guide will share insights not only about the stunning landscapes but also about the island’s rich history and its traditions. I’m sure this will be one of the highlights of their trip.
Then, in Barcelona, they’ll enjoy a very special tapas and drinks experience with a local. They’ll get a chance to tour some of the city’s best tapas bars, sampling delicious Catalan food and learning about the local food culture. The guide will also share personal stories about growing up in the city, giving the couple a true taste of Barcelona beyond what they would get on a standard tour.
From the beaches of Mallorca to the intimate culinary moments in Barcelona, I’m confident that these unique, hands-on experiences will be what they remember most from their trip.
The opportunity with this trend is that travelers today are seeking more than just a vacation—they’re looking for personalized, off-the-beaten-path experiences that allow them to connect deeply with the destinations they visit. This gives us the chance to offer truly distinctive itineraries that stand out in the marketplace.
However, there are always challenges. Customizing travel experiences requires a lot of detailed planning, and there’s always the risk of things not going exactly as expected, whether it’s due to weather, last-minute changes, or other factors. But these are the kinds of challenges we’re always excited to tackle because they allow us to go the extra mile and ensure our clients have a seamless and memorable experience.
Ultimately, I believe this trend of experiential travel is only going to continue growing. People want to feel like they’re a part of the places they visit, and as a travel provider, it’s incredibly rewarding to design those kinds of journeys.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into the travel industry about seven years ago, after my dad recommended I explore becoming a travel advisor. At the time, I was working a typical 9-5 job, spending my salary on trips with friends. I absolutely loved traveling and found myself planning all our getaways—researching destinations, finding unique experiences, and piecing together the perfect itineraries. My dad, seeing how passionate I was about travel, suggested that I turn it into a side hustle. I took his advice, and what started as a small side project quickly grew into a full-fledged business.
Today, I run 4 Seven Travel, a travel agency I built from the ground up. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, especially growing the agency into a team of 18 advisors based throughout the United States. What started as a one-person operation has expanded into a full team that’s dedicated to crafting unique, tailored travel experiences for our clients.
At 4 Seven Travel, we specialize in creating customized travel experiences that go beyond the typical vacation. We focus on personalization—whether that’s planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or an adventurous solo trip. We work closely with our clients to understand their interests, preferences, and travel goals, then design itineraries that cater specifically to them. From private tours with local guides to bespoke culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, we ensure every trip is one to remember.
We also focus on creating meaningful connections with the destinations our clients visit, ensuring they get an authentic experience that goes beyond the tourist trail. We provide expert advice, insider knowledge, and an attention to detail that makes each trip feel special.
What sets 4 Seven Travel apart from others is our commitment to providing personalized service at every step. We take the time to get to know our clients—what they love, what they’re curious about, and what kind of experiences they’re seeking. We’re not just booking flights and hotels; we’re designing a journey that aligns with their passions.
Our team of advisors is a huge asset. Each one of us brings a unique perspective and expertise, whether it’s knowledge of specific destinations, connections with local guides, or a shared passion for creating unforgettable travel moments. This diversity allows us to serve a wide variety of travelers with different needs and interests, ensuring everyone gets the right experience for them.
I’m most proud of how much 4 Seven Travel has grown in the past few years. Expanding to a team of 18 travel advisors across the U.S. has been a huge accomplishment, and it’s been amazing to see our team come together to deliver exceptional experiences for our clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with such a passionate group of professionals who share my love for travel and helping others explore the world.
For potential clients, I want you to know that when you work with us, you’re not just getting a travel agent—you’re getting a partner in creating your dream vacation. We’ll take care of all the details so you can focus on the excitement of your journey. We’re here to provide you with personalized recommendations and insider tips to make sure you have the best possible experience.
We believe in quality over quantity, authenticity over convenience, and connections over generic itineraries. Whether you’re planning your first trip abroad or your next great adventure, we’re here to make sure it’s unforgettable.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building an audience on social media has definitely been a journey for me. When I first started 4Seven Travel, I didn’t have a huge following, but I knew that social media would be a powerful tool to connect with people who shared my passion for travel. I started by sharing my own travel experiences, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how I plan trips for clients.
In the beginning, it was just me, and I focused on posting authentic content—real, relatable stories, beautiful photos from my travels, and useful travel advice. I wanted my followers to feel like they were getting a glimpse into my world and the way I approach travel. Over time, people started to engage with my posts, asking questions and sharing their own travel stories. That’s when I realized that building a social media audience is all about engagement and building a community, not just broadcasting information.
As my business grew, I started showcasing the work my team and I were doing at 4Seven Travel, sharing testimonials from clients, and highlighting the personalized experiences we create. We also began collaborating with influencers and other brands in the travel space, which helped us reach new audiences.
What really made the difference, though, was being consistent. I made sure to post regularly, respond to comments, and connect with my followers personally. It wasn’t about gaining thousands of followers overnight—it was about building a community of like-minded travelers who trust us to help them plan their dream vacations.
For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on authenticity and consistency. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to post perfect content or to focus too much on the numbers. But the real key is being true to your voice and connecting with your audience on a personal level. Share what excites you, what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to show behind-the-scenes moments.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of engagement. Respond to comments, interact with other accounts, and build relationships. It’s not enough to just post and hope people will come to you; you have to actively build those connections.
Lastly, be patient. Building a following takes time, and it’s important to stay consistent and not get discouraged if growth is slow at first. It’s about creating content that resonates with your audience and offering value in the form of information, inspiration, or entertainment. Over time, you’ll see your community grow, and those connections will translate into loyal followers who trust you and your expertise.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots I’ve had to make in my business happened when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As a travel advisor, the immediate impact was overwhelming. Travel came to an abrupt halt. Flights were grounded, borders were closed, and people were understandably nervous about booking any kind of trip. It was a time of uncertainty, not just for our clients, but for our entire industry.
At first, it felt like everything I had built came to a screeching stop. Clients were canceling or postponing trips left and right, and my team and I had to quickly figure out how to adjust. We couldn’t do what we had always done—designing and booking dream vacations for clients. So, we had to get creative and pivot our approach.
I quickly realized that while people weren’t able to travel physically, they were still dreaming about travel. They wanted inspiration, they wanted to plan future trips, and they still wanted to feel connected to the world outside their homes. So, I shifted our focus to providing value in different ways. I leaned heavily into content creation, using social media to engage with followers through travel tips, dream vacation ideas, and updates on travel restrictions.
The pandemic also gave me the opportunity to connect on a deeper level with my existing clients. I checked in with them, offered support with trip rescheduling, and kept them informed about changing travel policies. It was a challenging time, but it helped build stronger relationships with our clients, who appreciated the personal touch and guidance during such an uncertain period.
Ultimately, this pivot helped us weather the storm. It not only allowed us to stay connected with our community, but it also positioned us as a trusted resource for future planning. When travel slowly started to reopen, we were there to help clients rebook their trips, and we saw a surge in bookings as people were eager to get back out there and explore the world once again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.4seventravel.com
- Instagram: @4seventravel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4seventravel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpmotley
- Other: TikTok: @travelwithmekp_
